2010 HBBB launched amid a classic collection

Held in the impressive garage and workshop facility of noted two & four wheel enthusiast and racing competitor, Bryan Thomson, the Husqvarna shared the workshop with examples from Motorcycling Australia's own museum and Thomson's own impressive collection. Arguably more famous for his wild, Chev V8-powered VW fastback Sports Sedan than any of his two wheel machines, Thomson nonetheless has a very desirable collection, including classic Triumphs, Hondas and Suzukis, as well as exotic Italian machines and rarities like a Hesketh V1000.

Speakers at the launch included MA's president, Ron Kivovich, Motorcycling Victoria's Mark Campbell and noted competitor, author and publisher of Old Bike magazine, Jim Scaysbrook. Pelle Granquist recounted his history in racing with MA's Peter Drakeford, while the big news from the launch was the confirmation of multiple US MX champion, Gary Jones, as Guest of Honour for this year's event (see separate sidebar). Arguably, the highlight of all the bikes on display was a trio of Kenny Blake race bikes (see last issue's event preview).

The ex-Kenny Blake ECCO BMW, originally by Graeme Carless, was a standout in its gleaming polished alloy bodywork, while the 'as raced' patina of Blake's TZ 350 also found admirers. Blake's 'Jesser Triumph' has also survived the ravages of time and was on display, while a late arrival from Ron Angel, in the form of a neat little Honda road racer, almost stole the show. Motorcycling Australia considered the launch a great success and are looking forward to seeing some of these machines on the tracks of Broadford this coming April 3 - 4.

Further details on the 2010 HBBB is available from the Motorcycling Australia website, www.ma.org.au/hbbb